We landed just after 5am in Dubai after a long but not too bad flight.
We got ourselves a 'Ladies Taxi' complete with pink gloved lady driver to the resort. We checked in and I played up the honeymoon aspect of our visit. The room wasnt ready yet so we had a complimentary brekkie and finally got to our room at around 9am.
We spent the day by the pool which was very relaxing but came back tothe room at about 2pm and crashed for 4 hours, that wasnt the plan but laying on the bed was a bad idea and we both fell asleep.
We were awoken by a nice man bringing us a complimentary bottle of champagne (the cheapest they do at 600 dirams or 200 hundred aussie dollars to you or me) which was nice of hotel.
We had dinner at the beach restaurant after the usual, have you got a book, no, i'll fit you in just this once conversation that goes on here.
Came back to room and crashed.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Six
Monday 28th Feb
A frantic day running around post wedding, we did lots of car sharing as we only had the Honda at Willoughby.
Bill took Chris back to car hire place and brought him home.
Kate and I then took Honda to drop off the suits and visit the Sergeants mess to pick up the remainder of our items.
Bill drove Chris and Hannah to the airport.
Kate I went and picked up my folks and drove them to the airport, we then dropped into the Sydney office to return the mic stand we borrowed.
We drove back toWilloughby.
Bill and Carol drove us to the airport.
We finally got the 21.45 flight to Dubai. a 14 hour flight from Sydney to Dubai.
Im still amazed at the grace of the A380 and how it gently takes off.
A frantic day running around post wedding, we did lots of car sharing as we only had the Honda at Willoughby.
Bill took Chris back to car hire place and brought him home.
Kate and I then took Honda to drop off the suits and visit the Sergeants mess to pick up the remainder of our items.
Bill drove Chris and Hannah to the airport.
Kate I went and picked up my folks and drove them to the airport, we then dropped into the Sydney office to return the mic stand we borrowed.
We drove back toWilloughby.
Bill and Carol drove us to the airport.
We finally got the 21.45 flight to Dubai. a 14 hour flight from Sydney to Dubai.
Im still amazed at the grace of the A380 and how it gently takes off.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Five
Sunday
We went for breakfast on the shores of circular quay, I spent a 50 dollar note Kate had given me 2 years ago which I had promised to buy her breakfast with on Circular Quay once were were married.
We checked out of The Hilton and headed back to Willoughby
A relaxed day around Willoughby followed. Hazel and Peter came to Willoughby to pick up the Holden kindly lent to them by Bill and Carol so they could head north up the coast for a week while the rest of us headed to Dubai and Europe.
We had a family dinner in the evening and then we dropped my folks back to the hotel.
We went for breakfast on the shores of circular quay, I spent a 50 dollar note Kate had given me 2 years ago which I had promised to buy her breakfast with on Circular Quay once were were married.
We checked out of The Hilton and headed back to Willoughby
A relaxed day around Willoughby followed. Hazel and Peter came to Willoughby to pick up the Holden kindly lent to them by Bill and Carol so they could head north up the coast for a week while the rest of us headed to Dubai and Europe.
We had a family dinner in the evening and then we dropped my folks back to the hotel.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Four
Saturday
A beautiful day in Sydney with family friends taking in the Harbour on the Captain Cook Cruise. A couple of pictures below.
We had a few drinks after the Cruise at the Cruise Bar on Circular Quay
Kate and I had dinner in the Hilton Restaurant - The Marble Bar this evening.
http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/restaurants-bars/marble-bar-detail
A beautiful day in Sydney with family friends taking in the Harbour on the Captain Cook Cruise. A couple of pictures below.
We had a few drinks after the Cruise at the Cruise Bar on Circular Quay
Kate and I had dinner in the Hilton Restaurant - The Marble Bar this evening.
http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/restaurants-bars/marble-bar-detail
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Three
Friday 25th February 2011 - The Day I Married Kate...
Just a short report today as I could not do justice in words to what a wonderful day it was. The morning was spent with a family breakfast near Circular Quay. I then had some time on my own to go over my speech etc. I sat under the Sydney Harbour Bridge taking in the beauty of the harbour and rehearsing the speech to myself.
Soon I was getting ready and heading to the Hilton to check in. I had forgotten Taxi changeover at 3pm in Sydney and almost ended up having to walk or get a bus, although luckily just got a cab.
And so I found myself marrying my beautiful bride on a beautiful Sydney afternoon overlooking the harbour.
Just a short report today as I could not do justice in words to what a wonderful day it was. The morning was spent with a family breakfast near Circular Quay. I then had some time on my own to go over my speech etc. I sat under the Sydney Harbour Bridge taking in the beauty of the harbour and rehearsing the speech to myself.
Soon I was getting ready and heading to the Hilton to check in. I had forgotten Taxi changeover at 3pm in Sydney and almost ended up having to walk or get a bus, although luckily just got a cab.
And so I found myself marrying my beautiful bride on a beautiful Sydney afternoon overlooking the harbour.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Two
Thursday
During the morning myself, Rob and Dean headed to Peppers to pick up the Wedding suits. Kate and I then drove to the Sergeants Mess to drop off all the stuff for the wedding, it was all very efficient and signed off.
Time came for me to say goodbye to Kate and I got a lift with Bill over to the Hotel and checked in. In the evening we had a very pleasant Steward/Shaw family dinner at Wolfies on Circular Quay. Was very nice way to spend last night as a single man before marrying the beautiful Kate tomorrow.
During the morning myself, Rob and Dean headed to Peppers to pick up the Wedding suits. Kate and I then drove to the Sergeants Mess to drop off all the stuff for the wedding, it was all very efficient and signed off.
Time came for me to say goodbye to Kate and I got a lift with Bill over to the Hotel and checked in. In the evening we had a very pleasant Steward/Shaw family dinner at Wolfies on Circular Quay. Was very nice way to spend last night as a single man before marrying the beautiful Kate tomorrow.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty One
Wednesday
Wedding Rehearsal Day. We shuffled lots of cars and people around and finally found ourselves at The Sergeants Mess to do a run through of the wedding ceremony. All went well and we worked out who would stand where and the order of everything. Kate and I also signed off the final paperwork to allow it to all go ahead.
As a final highlight the Queen Mary 2 sailed past afterwards as she departed Sydney.
Wedding Rehearsal Day. We shuffled lots of cars and people around and finally found ourselves at The Sergeants Mess to do a run through of the wedding ceremony. All went well and we worked out who would stand where and the order of everything. Kate and I also signed off the final paperwork to allow it to all go ahead.
As a final highlight the Queen Mary 2 sailed past afterwards as she departed Sydney.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty
Tuesday
Kate and I drove over to Edgecliff for final meeting with the Photographer. Our intended photographer has twisted her ankle so we met her replacement. Afterwards we headed home and prepped for our Stag and Hen nights.
My stag night started at Circular Quay and involved Jet Boating around the Harbour, drinks and then dinner at Darling Harbour at Ripples. This was very nice and then headed to the Casino to round off the evening.
Kate's Hen night involved cocktail making class, followed by dinner at the gazebo restaurant at Elizabeth Bay and then onto The Victoria Rooms.
Kate and I drove over to Edgecliff for final meeting with the Photographer. Our intended photographer has twisted her ankle so we met her replacement. Afterwards we headed home and prepped for our Stag and Hen nights.
My stag night started at Circular Quay and involved Jet Boating around the Harbour, drinks and then dinner at Darling Harbour at Ripples. This was very nice and then headed to the Casino to round off the evening.
Kate's Hen night involved cocktail making class, followed by dinner at the gazebo restaurant at Elizabeth Bay and then onto The Victoria Rooms.
Day Six Hundred and Nineteen
Monday
A day spent in and around Sydney doing last minute things for the wedding. We spent some time at Chatswood Chase buying some bits and pieces for the wedding venue.
We had lunch with the folks at the Fish Market.
Dean and Laura arrived in Sydney form Perth this evening.
A day spent in and around Sydney doing last minute things for the wedding. We spent some time at Chatswood Chase buying some bits and pieces for the wedding venue.
We had lunch with the folks at the Fish Market.
Dean and Laura arrived in Sydney form Perth this evening.
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Eighteen
Sunday
Today we celebrated Kate's 30th Birthday and also welcomed family and friends with a picnicing in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Was a bit of a hot day to be carrying so much stuff from the car after trying to find a 2 parking spots but we managed it in the end.
We found ourselves a nice spot under the shade of the trees and set up. Was lovely when everyone arrived and was a very relaxed day indeed.
After the picnic we went to the ECQ bar on Circular Quay and had some cocktails and drinks
http://www.mirvachotels.com/quay-grand-suites-sydney/ecq-bar-circular-quay
All wanting something to eat we headed up to the Lowenbrau place in the Rocks
http://www.lowenbrau.com.au/
Today we celebrated Kate's 30th Birthday and also welcomed family and friends with a picnicing in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Was a bit of a hot day to be carrying so much stuff from the car after trying to find a 2 parking spots but we managed it in the end.
We found ourselves a nice spot under the shade of the trees and set up. Was lovely when everyone arrived and was a very relaxed day indeed.
After the picnic we went to the ECQ bar on Circular Quay and had some cocktails and drinks
http://www.mirvachotels.com/quay-grand-suites-sydney/ecq-bar-circular-quay
All wanting something to eat we headed up to the Lowenbrau place in the Rocks
http://www.lowenbrau.com.au/
Day Six Hundred and Seventeen
Saturday
Happy 30th Birthday to my gorgeous fiancee Kate!
Was up at 6.25am and off to Sydney Airport where I had only been 10 hours earlier to pick up the best man Rob. The airport was crazy bu the finally emerged and was great to see him.
We drove back to Willoughby and he got to meet the family!
Later in the morning I dropped him over to Manly where he will stay for a few days.
Back to Willoughby and then we all headed up to Chatswood for some food, a quick lunch really followed by some shopping. I managed to pick out a dress for Kate, just call me Gok or whatever his name is.
In the evening we all headed across to Circular Quay to celebrate Kates 30th at the Cafe Sydney
http://cafesydney.com.au/
Happy 30th Birthday to my gorgeous fiancee Kate!
Was up at 6.25am and off to Sydney Airport where I had only been 10 hours earlier to pick up the best man Rob. The airport was crazy bu the finally emerged and was great to see him.
We drove back to Willoughby and he got to meet the family!
Later in the morning I dropped him over to Manly where he will stay for a few days.
Back to Willoughby and then we all headed up to Chatswood for some food, a quick lunch really followed by some shopping. I managed to pick out a dress for Kate, just call me Gok or whatever his name is.
In the evening we all headed across to Circular Quay to celebrate Kates 30th at the Cafe Sydney
http://cafesydney.com.au/
Day Six Hundred and Sixteen
Friday
And so our last day in Brisbane, I went to work and wrapped up as much as I could before my departure, seemed to do lots of running around. Kate picked me up at 5 o'clock and soon enough we were off tot he airport again.
Had some food, took a relaxing flight back and landed at 22.30.
Were my by Bill, Carol, Chris and Hannah who had flown in form Adelaide not long before. Headed to Willoughby had a cuppa, chatted and hit the sack.
And so our last day in Brisbane, I went to work and wrapped up as much as I could before my departure, seemed to do lots of running around. Kate picked me up at 5 o'clock and soon enough we were off tot he airport again.
Had some food, took a relaxing flight back and landed at 22.30.
Were my by Bill, Carol, Chris and Hannah who had flown in form Adelaide not long before. Headed to Willoughby had a cuppa, chatted and hit the sack.
Day Six Hundred and Fifteen
Thursday
Into work again, a good day getting stuff done. The folks came over to Teneriffe in the afternoon and got some washing done before their return to Sydney tomorrow. They didn't stay too late after we had a Thai dinner from around the corner.
Not sure where the time in Brisbane went but very nice having folks around.
Into work again, a good day getting stuff done. The folks came over to Teneriffe in the afternoon and got some washing done before their return to Sydney tomorrow. They didn't stay too late after we had a Thai dinner from around the corner.
Not sure where the time in Brisbane went but very nice having folks around.
Day Six Hundred and Fourteen
Got up early and headed over to Toowong and met Brett. Then went for a meeting with our key project stakeholders and locked in our trail at last.
In the evening we had a quiet night doing some last of the wedding stationery.
In the evening we had a quiet night doing some last of the wedding stationery.
Day Six Hundred and Thirteen
Tuesday
I spent the day at work, Kate an folks did thier own thing during the day.
More to follow.
I spent the day at work, Kate an folks did thier own thing during the day.
More to follow.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Twelve
Monday
A good day at work, nearly cracked the trail after all the flood chaos.
Walked home and met folks who had taken bus to Teneriffe. We had a superb salad meal cooked by Kate, played a bit of scrabble and then I dropped folks home to hotel.
Oh and I've won the last 4 games of scrabble in a row. Go me.
A good day at work, nearly cracked the trail after all the flood chaos.
Walked home and met folks who had taken bus to Teneriffe. We had a superb salad meal cooked by Kate, played a bit of scrabble and then I dropped folks home to hotel.
Oh and I've won the last 4 games of scrabble in a row. Go me.
Day Six Hundred and Eleven
Sunday
A quiet day for Kate and I and we spent much of the morning and afternoon finishing off wedding things. We then headed into town at 4o'clock to meet folks. We grabbed a cup of tea at a cafe on the river and then walked down through town to the South Bank to get some dinner.
We then all attended the Billy Connolly benefit gig at the Convention Centre. Was OK but quite stale and a re-hash of the stuff we had seen in Brighton a couple of years back. Don't think he did anything I hadn't seen him do before.
It was a bit distasteful his jokes about houses washing away in Toowoomba too.
Ade rating 5/10.
Took a taxi home dropping folks back to hotel on the way.
A quiet day for Kate and I and we spent much of the morning and afternoon finishing off wedding things. We then headed into town at 4o'clock to meet folks. We grabbed a cup of tea at a cafe on the river and then walked down through town to the South Bank to get some dinner.
We then all attended the Billy Connolly benefit gig at the Convention Centre. Was OK but quite stale and a re-hash of the stuff we had seen in Brighton a couple of years back. Don't think he did anything I hadn't seen him do before.
It was a bit distasteful his jokes about houses washing away in Toowoomba too.
Ade rating 5/10.
Took a taxi home dropping folks back to hotel on the way.
Day Six Hundred and Ten
We picked up folks and headed south to Springbrook National Park and we visited Purlingbrook Falls
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purlingbrook_Falls
We then headed to the Gold Coast for lunch. We ended up at Surfers Paradise and had lunch at the Surf Lifesavers Club.
Kate and I went for a swim in the afternoon and I got caught by a blue bottle on the leg which was a bit of a pain for an hour.
Drove back to Brisbane and we had dinner in Teneriffe and then the folks grabbed a taxi back to the hotel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purlingbrook_Falls
We then headed to the Gold Coast for lunch. We ended up at Surfers Paradise and had lunch at the Surf Lifesavers Club.
Kate and I went for a swim in the afternoon and I got caught by a blue bottle on the leg which was a bit of a pain for an hour.
Drove back to Brisbane and we had dinner in Teneriffe and then the folks grabbed a taxi back to the hotel.
Day Six Hundred and Nine
Friday
Another day at work trying to finalise our trail, a day of ups and downs in that respect with good news on trail and then bad news. Hopefully next week we'll have the trail cracked.
flat and had a fish and chip supper. The folks spent day in Brisbane sight seeing. We picked them up after work and came back to theWas very nice family time.
In other news, lots of ex-colleagues got bad news of the back of this press release
Another day at work trying to finalise our trail, a day of ups and downs in that respect with good news on trail and then bad news. Hopefully next week we'll have the trail cracked.
flat and had a fish and chip supper. The folks spent day in Brisbane sight seeing. We picked them up after work and came back to theWas very nice family time.
In other news, lots of ex-colleagues got bad news of the back of this press release
Nokia and Microsoft announce plans for a broad strategic partnership to build a new global ecosystem
Companies plan to combine assets and develop innovative mobile products on an unprecedented scale
Nokia Corporation
Stock exchange release
February 11, 2011 at 9.30 (CET +1)
London, Feb. 11, 2011 - Nokia and Microsoft today announced plans to form a broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem.
Nokia and Microsoft intend to jointly create market-leading mobile products and services designed to offer consumers, operators and developers unrivalled choice and opportunity. As each company would focus on its core competencies, the partnership would create the opportunity for rapid time to market execution. Additionally, Nokia and Microsoft plan to work together to integrate key assets and create completely new service offerings, while extending established products and services to new markets.
Under the proposed partnership:
- Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.
- Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone. Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.
- Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.
- Bing would power Nokia's search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing's next generation search capabilities. Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia's line of devices and services.
- Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft's mapping services. For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft's Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience
- Nokia's extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.
- Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem's global reach.
- Nokia's content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.
"Today, developers, operators and consumers want compelling mobile products, which include not only the device, but the software, services, applications and customer support that make a great experience," Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO, said at a joint news conference in London. "Nokia and Microsoft will combine our strengths to deliver an ecosystem with unrivalled global reach and scale. It's now a three-horse race."
"I am excited about this partnership with Nokia," said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. "Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale. The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute."
Please visit www.nokia.com/press for press materials.
Day Six Hundred and Eight
Thursday
picked them up and brought them back to Got up and went to work and at lunchtime Kate picked me up. We drove to the folks hotel andTeneriffe for lunch. I made my way back to work and Kate then took the folks shopping in the afternoon.
I came home form work and then we all went out for dinner at the James St Bistro. Afterwards we drove the folks back to the hotel and came home. Did some more wedding stationary and then went to bed.
picked them up and brought them back to Got up and went to work and at lunchtime Kate picked me up. We drove to the folks hotel andTeneriffe for lunch. I made my way back to work and Kate then took the folks shopping in the afternoon.
I came home form work and then we all went out for dinner at the James St Bistro. Afterwards we drove the folks back to the hotel and came home. Did some more wedding stationary and then went to bed.
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